History buffs had the opportunity to experience what it was like to be one of the brave paratroopers of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.

They were able to fly in a C-47 plane as part of the 75th D-Day Anniversary Living History Flight Experience at the American Airpower Museum.

During this two-hour experience, they were able to pay tribute to those living and dead and react the brave heroes who landed onto the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944 -- the D-Day invasion.

This unique, immersive flight experience includes a mission briefing; a chance to wear authentic military field jackets, helmets and gear; the actual sights and sounds as the C-47s engines fire up and you’re off into the blue; see and hear the crew operate their C-47 and paratroopers getting ready for battle; and you actually form up and hook your parachute to a static line!

If fact, the experience is so realistic that each person gets a uniform tag with the name of an actual paratrooper who fought during D-Day.

Taking flight 1,400 feet above the beaches of Long Island, the view is much more scenic than on that day back in 1944.

Annette DiBiasi, from Shirley, said it was an experience to connect her with memories of her father. "It was very meaningful to me because my dad was in Normandy on Omaha beach,” she said.

Ellen Richardson, from Shirley, says it was one of the best re-enactments she has experienced and that it's important to remember our history. “You have to connect with your history and the best way to do it is to know people who served or at least do some of these things like this,” Richardson said.

The cost of the C-47 flight is $350. The Museum will conduct up to five flights on Oct. 19, starting at 10:30 a.m. This is a family-friendly experience for all ages. The program is about 1.5 hours long and each flight takes 25 minutes.

MORE INFORMATION:
To book a flight, call 516-531-3950
The American Airpower Museum
Hangar 3 - 1230 New Highway - Farmingdale, NY 11735 - 631-293-6398
Email: info@americanairpowermuseum.org
On the Web: www.americanairpowermuseum.com